Things to do in Denver when you're gay: DOCA Art Exhibition

The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) presents a special exhibition of work representing 18 artists from 15 galleries in Denver’s renowned Art District on Santa Fe.  A public viewing and reception will take place on Monday, February 8 from 6-8p.m. at the Buell Theatre.

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Super-Relative art exhibition

Check out the 'Super-Relative' art exhibition featuring the work of Samuel Schimek and Andrew Novick on February 12 at the Lisa Kowalski Gallery & Studio.

The event is from 6-10 p.m. and coffee and donuts will be served all night.

I love coffee and donuts!

Samuel and Andrew have been following each other creatively for over a year and because their work parallels in many interesting ways, they juried each other into an amazing exhibition. The exhibition will include digital pattern print work and other wacky collected items by the artists.

Sexy Skeletor

- via io9

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Joshel Art Auction

Rocky Mountain PBS is hosting the Joshel Art Auction, featuring the extensive collection of the late Suzanne Joshel, a well-known Denver collector and longtime supporter of Rocky Mountain PBS. The auction also will include other gifts and bequests to RMPBS.

Suzanne W. Joshel died last March at age 87, leaving behind a treasure of mostly 20th century modern and contemporary art, including sculptures by Clement Meadmore and Auguste Rodin, and paintings by Vance Kirkland, Red Grooms, Voy Fangor and Phillip Taaffe.

Suzanne, who escaped Nazi Germany as a teenager, was a fascinating woman with a range of interests, and an unwavering passion for art and music. She and her husband Lloyd Joshel settled in Denver, where they amassed a world class art collection, a large portion of which she left to Rocky Mountain PBS, among other local arts organizations.

“We are honored and bolstered by Suzanne Joshel’s remarkable generosity and commitment to Rocky Mountain PBS. We look forward to sharing her extraordinary collection with the community,” said Doug Price, Rocky Mountain PBS president and CEO.

A preview will be held on Friday, Jan. 15, 2-7 p.m. The auction will be Saturday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m. For more information and to make a reservation, contact Patricia Laverty, manager of philanthropic giving, 303-620-5706 or patricialaverty@rmpbs.org.

Matisse: Jazz & Cut-Outs

The two-book edition Matisse: Jazz and Matisse: Cut-outs includes a perfect facsimile of the most important published artifact of Matisse's late cut-outs period: 'Jazz', the legendary album of twenty color prints with calligraphic text, recognized as a masterpiece among artist books of the 20th century.

Call for artists

The Underground in Colorado Springs is seeking artwork from community members for display at a wine and cheese reception on Monday, July 13.

It is up to the artist whether they'd like to offer their work for sale and each artist may submit up to five pieces. The deadline to submit work is Wednesday, July 8th. The artists with the best pieces, as voted on by a panel and people attending the reception, will be offered display space within the Underground for sixty days. For questions, contact Jerry at c21jwm@aol.com. - via LunchBreak E-Newsletter

DOCA announces free Denver art tours

This one's perfect for a Cheap Date or as a Tip for Guncles.

The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) is delighted to announce the schedule of free public art tours for the spring and summer of 2009. A brand new tour of the Civic Center area has been added to complement the popular Denver Performing Arts Complex and Colorado Convention Center tours. These guided tours allow citizens and visitors to experience some of Denver’s most architecturally stunning environments, as well as view noteworthy artworks and learn the intimate details of their creation and installation. 


Read all about 'em after the jump:

DOCA’s Spring/Summer Public Art Tours schedule is as follows:

Denver Civic Center
The Denver Civic Center tour will focus on the over 100-year history of Denver’s public art and architecture. This tour provides an incredible snapshot of Denver’s diverse artistic and architectural styles in a single, concentrated area. From Alexander Proctor’s bronze Bronco Buster to Beverly Pepper’s Denver Monoliths, and the Neoclassical Capitol to the Beaux-Arts Civic Center Park and Postmodern Denver Public Library, this tour is sure to inspire.

· Thursday, May 14, Noon (Brown Bag Lunch Tour)

· Sunday, June 14 , 11:00 AM

· Sunday, July 19, 11:00 AM

· Sunday, August 2, 11:00 AM

· Thursday, September 10, Noon (Brown Bag Lunch Tour)

This tour meets at the Sea Lions Fountain on the north end of Civic Center Park. It will be led by docent Leon Krier.

Colorado Convention Center
Why is that escalator laughing at me? And, what about that big blue bear peering through the window? Get the answers, plus see the Denver region’s 300 million-year history unfold in a short 100-foot walk on this fun and educational tour of public artworks in the Colorado Convention Center.

· Saturday, May 23, 1:00 PM

· Saturday, June 20, 1:00 PM

· Saturday, September 19, 1:00 PM



This tour meets at I See What You Mean (a.k.a. big blue bear). It will be led by docent Ava Chappell.

Denver Performing Arts Complex
The Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) is one of the most impressive performing arts centers in the world, featuring 10 performance spaces connected by an 80-foot-tall glass canopy, and world-class art to match! On the DPAC public art tour, participants will learn about Stephen Batura’s epic mural Rehearsal in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, with all of its fascinating characters and scintillating stories. John DeAndrea’s hyper-realistic sculptures, also in the Ellie, will make you look twice—are those ballerinas breathing? Get a new perspective on Jonathan Borofsky’s Dancers in the DPAC Sculpture Park by standing directly underneath the 60-foot sculptures and listening to the music composed by the artist himself to accompany the dancing giants.

· Saturday, May 23, 11:00 AM

· Saturday, June 20, 11:00 AM

· Saturday, September 19, 11:00 AM

This tour meets at the entrance to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. It will be led by docent Ava Chappell.

All tours are FREE, but limited to 15 people each. To reserve your place, please contact Rudi Cerri at 720-865-4307 or e-mail rudi.cerri@denvergov.org.




Books: Jeff Koons

A decade after its sensational appearance, the most expensive limited edition artist monograph of the 20th century is finally back in print. (The rarest copy, numbered 1 and signed by Koons and 100 celebrities, was sold at auction for over $450,000.)
Only this time everybody can afford it.

The definitive work on the most controversial artist of his generation. A book owned by the world's major collectors and institutions, including New York's MoMA. See the exhibition in Berlin and remember why you've always loved Koons, even though you'd love to hate him – he's not only richer, but better looking. And he once married a porn star!

Then plunge into this Taschen überwerk and revel in the kinky and kitsch, but always conceptual art of Jeff Koons. Basketballs in tanks! Stainless steel blow-ups! Topiary dog sculptures! Come on.

Michael and Bubbles in porcelain. No artist since Warhol has made the banal appear so profound, and the trivial carry such import.

Straight artist/gay sensibility: Tom McElroy

He's straight, but that's okay--he's still an artist you might want to know. Colorado Springs artist Tom McElroy actually left Colorado when Amendment 2 passed because he didn't want his kids growing up in an anti-gay environment. But he's back, and his new Springs art show incorporates all the oddities of the Springs, including Reverend Righteous, who "says he can cure homosexuality, even though he's one, too." Sound like anybody we know? Check it out at FAC Modern, 121 S. Tejon St. in the Springs through March 28.

Walker Fine Art 2009 Year in Preview

Walker Fine Art is holding a 2009 Year in Preview opening reception this Friday, January 9th from 6-9 p.m.

I'm not familiar with any of the artists but Walker Fine Art always throws a swell shindig.

It's Denver Art Week

Gather family and friends to enjoy the second annual celebration of the city's vibrant, eclectic arts and cultural scene! Discover for yourself why Denver is earning a reputation as a world capital of art and architecture.

The annual event kicked off with a sneak preview at Fear No Art First Friday on November 7th, with art walks and special programs in the city’s creative neighborhoods including Cherry Creek North, RiNo (River North), Tennyson Street, Golden Triangle and ArtDistrict on Santa Fe which is theming the evening “Botticelli is Not a Pasta.”

Throughout the week of Nov. 14-22, more than 100 events are being staged at six neighborhood art districts, 10 museums, 20 performing arts venues and 100 art galleries.

Highlights include:

Night At The Museums on Nov. 14. From 5-10 p.m., participating museums will be offering free admission and special entertainment.

Night on the Red Carpet on Nov. 15. The Starz Denver Film Festival and neighborhood theaters throughout the city will be “rolling out the red carpet” with special deals and happenings.

Hotels are offering great deals with rates starting at $52.80 and getaway packages starting at $100. (Rates based on availability and some restrictions apply.)

For a complete calendar of events and hotel deals, go to www.DenverArtsWeek.com.

Hear the Color of Larry Wegner

Hear the Color of artist Larry Wegner tomorrow from 5-9 p.m. at Berkeley Park Art Gallery, 4999 W. 44th in Denver.

Denver's Commons Park: Fill it to the rim ... with sculpture

222.5° Arc x 5 by artist Bernar Venet, donated to the City and County of Denver in 2007 by NBT Charitable Trust, has a permanent home in Commons Park. A plaque, recently installed near the artwork, commemorates the gift.

222.5° Arc x 5 is made of COR-TEN™ steel, installed in concrete, and stands approximately seven feet high. It is located at Little Raven St., approximately one block north of 15th St.

Commons Park is becoming a “sculpture park” of sorts, with work by Andrew Dufford, Barbara Grygutis, Zhang Huan and now Bernar Venet. Venet’s sculpture is a valuable addition to the City’s Public Art Collection and the community.

NBT Charitable Trust is a long-time supporter of Denver’s Public Art Program. Another popular work donated by the Trust is Donald Lipski’s The Yearling, located on the front lawn of the Denver Public Library’s main branch at 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy.

Bernar Venet is a French artist who resides in New York. He was born in 1941 in the French Alps, and for a short period studied art in Nice. At the age of 23, he was included in prominent museum exhibitions in France. Since moving to New York in 1966, Venet’s work has been exhibited extensively throughout Europe, the United States, South America and Asia in solo museum shows. In addition, his work has been featured in major art events, such as the Kassel Documenta in 1977, and the Biennials of Paris, Venice and São Paulo. Venet’s monumental sculptures are permanently installed around the world, including Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Strasbourg, Beijing, Epinal, Nice, Austin, San Francisco, Norfolk, Bergen, Geneva and Cologne. Indeterminate Line, another work by the sculptor commissioned by the City of Denver for the Colorado Convention Center, sits notably at the corner of Speer Blvd. and Stout St.

For more information on public artworks in Denver visit DenverGov.org.

Controlled Chaos at First Friday

Hot Sounds at the Denver Pavilions

Brent and I went to see 'Wanted' (it was a jolly romp, even if poor Angelina looks like a skeleton in a wig) at the Denver Pavilions last night and had no idea that Hot Sounds was going on. We had some time to kill before showtime so we had some Lynchburg Lemonades and listened to the Matthew Moon Band (not too shabby at all) and enjoyed the goings on.

Oh, and I guess the Wendy Woo Band played earlier and I want to make sure to talk them up a bit. If you haven't heard of them, check 'em out. They're a great local band that's been around forever.


There were also plenty of booths with food and info and arts and crafts and Brent and I particularly liked the work of mother-daughter duo Lisa Diamor Sanchez and Trish Sanchez of Star Creek Inspirational Art.

Brent picked up four paintings and my broke self got one little one that I really like. There it is now, right below this sentence.


The Hot Sounds free concert series will be back at The Denver Pavilions July 24, July 31 and August 7. Check it out. You can get more information at DenverPavilions.com.





Black and White at Walker Fine Art

*click to embiggen

GLBT/Queer revolution: volunteers needed for DNC public performance

Seventy-five to 100 GLBT and queer-identified volunteers are needed for a revolutionary art project to take place during the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Artist Sharon Hayes of Brooklyn, N.Y., will organize and present "Revolutionary Love 1: I Am Your Worst Fear," which will involve up to 100 GLBT and queer-identified participants reading out loud as a group about love, politics, GLBT power and GLBT liberation. Hayes is looking for a diverse group of people from all segments of the GLBT and queer communities. The performance will take place on August 27, with one rehearsal prior, at a Denver location to be determined. Participants are asked to “dress their best,” meaning to wear clothing that celebrates their pride, identity and uniqueness. The project is part of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee’s "Dialog:City: An Event Converging Art, Democracy and Digital Media," an official public program organized by the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs. Hayes is one of 10 artists participating. To participate in the project or for more info, e-mail dnc@creativetime.org or go to CreativeTime.org.

Free Art Tours

Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC)
14th and Curtis

Tour dates/times:
Saturday, May 17, 1:00 PM
Saturday, June 14, 1:00 PM
Saturday, September 13, 1:00 PM
Saturday, October 11, 1:00 PM
Saturday, November 15, 1:00 PM

Tour will include:
Ellie Caulkins Opera House (works by Dale Chihuly, Herbert Bayer, Steven Batura, John DeAndrea)
Buell Theatre (works by George Woodman, Vance Kirkland)
Atrium and exterior (works by Fernando Botero, Victor M. Contreras, Jonathan Borofsky, Marcus Akinlana, John Powell)

This tour will gather in the DPAC atrium near Infinite Energy (large abstract bronze in the open area between Boettcher Concert Hall and the Bonfils Complex) fifteen minutes prior to start time.


Colorado Convention Center
14th and California

Tour dates/times:
Saturday, May 17, 11:00 AM
Saturday, June 14, 11:00 AM
Saturday, July 19, 11:00 AM (tour will extend to the grounds of the Denver Performing Arts Complex)
Saturday, September 13, 11:00 AM
Saturday, October 11, 11:00 AM
Saturday, November 15, 11:00 AM

Tour will include:
Interior (works by Erick C. Johnson, Jim Green, John McEnroe, Kirk Johnson & Jan Vriesen, William Matthews, Trine Bumiller)
Exterior (works by Lawrence Argent, Jonathan Bonner, Barbara Jo Revelle, Bernar Venet)

This tour will gather in front of I See What You Mean (a.k.a. the Big Blue Bear) fifteen minutes prior to start time.


Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
15th and California

Tour date/time:
Saturday, May 24, 11:00 AM

Tour will include:
Interior (works by Robin Ault, Steven Altman)
Exterior (works by Shannon Kelly, Joseph Kosuth)

This tour will gather in the lobby of the hotel fifteen minutes prior to start time.


To sign up for a FREE tour, please e-mail Rudi Cerri at rudi.cerri@denvergov.org or call 720-865-4307.